A Very Shoeboxed Valentine’s Day

“Call me, maybe?”

All’s fair in love and business. Here are 10 commandments every small business owner and would-be Romeo should always keep in mind.

10. Thou Shalt Communicate

Whether you’re praising your assistant for a job well done, or telling Mr. Not-Quite-Right that no, it’s not cool if he calls your sister, open communication is essential. In love and business, learn how to say what you want and how you feel in a clear, respectful way.

9. Thou Shalt Make a Plan

Being able to visualize where you’re heading long-term is essential for any small business, and for any serious relationship. Whether your partner is dreaming about ROI or wedding bells, having the same 30,000-foot view keeps everyone moving toward the same goal.

8. Thou Shalt Find Balance

All work and no play – or vice versa – is sure to burn out any relationship fast. Learning how to balance your time between business and romance will make both areas of your life that much richer.

7. Thou Shalt Give It Time

Before you jump to conclusions about whether something is working or not, you have to give it a chance! Whether it’s a new marketing strategy or a new Match.com pick, give it some space and time to grow. First impressions aren’t always as important as long-term performance.

6. Thou Shalt Outsource

No, this doesn’t mean sending your assistant on a date for you when you’re stuck at the office. It does mean delegating as many tasks as possible, freeing you up to pursue your love life! There’s no reason for you to be doing your own social media or accounting. Hop on Elance.com, find a worthy freelancer, and get your lovesick self to happy hour already!

5. Thou Shalt Get Organized

What could be more attractive to a potential significant other than someone who’s got it together? Organization on the outside means an aura of togetherness on the inside. Apply our organizational life hacks to your love life, and watch potential dates flock to your oh-so-organized side.

4. Thou Shalt Diversify

In love and business, there’s no need to put all of your eggs in one basket – at least not at first. Keep your investments and your heart open to new possibilities until you find that one venture – or person – that merits all of your time and attention.

3. Thou Shalt Target Thy Market

Every SMB worth their salt knows that one of the first questions they must answer, both at the beginning of their business venture and even at the beginning of each day, is “Who is my target market?”

Dating is no different! If you don’t know who you’re looking for, how will you ever find him or her? Jump on Wunderlist, start brainstorming, and manifest the perfect partner for you.

2. Thou Shalt Love Thyself

Just like dating, running your own business can be exciting, exhilarating and incredibly time-consuming. Make sure that during this flutter of activity, you always set aside some time for the most important person in this mix – you.

1. Thou Shalt Learn to Let Go

Sometimes in love and business, things don’t work out. Learning to know when it’s time to let go creates space in your life for even better opportunities (and people). If you’ve done all you can and given the venture it’s due, give yourself permission to walk away. Who knows what (or who) could be just around the corner?